I keep seeing people, namely on social media – because apparently that’s the only way we fucking communicate with other human beings anymore – complaining about the Women’s March protesters.

I see posts and memes and poorly thought out screeds saying the protesters are “silly”, or “stupid”, or – and this is the worst- “un-American”.

So, in case you don’t already know where I stand on this issue, allow me to clarify:

I wholeheartedly support the right to protest.

More than that, I wholeheartedly support those the men and women who took to the streets on Saturday.

The protesters are American Citizens.

Period.

Those who braved the weather, the opposition, and –given the recent history of protests in this country – the very real threat of harassment and incarceration on the part of law enforcement, did so because these marchers believe they have been or will be harmed by the policies of the new administration.

As a citizen it is not only their right, but their duty to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

Our Nation is a nation Of, By, and For the People.

This is what participation in government looks like.

Voting is the bare minimum. These people did more. They went out and put themselves on the line. They took peaceful action to engage with their government – with our government.

The protesters are not just citizens, but real patriots.

This is what patriotism looks like.

It’s time to take notice.

It’s time to take action.

And if you can’t be fucking bothered, it’s time to leave the people, who can be bothered, the fuck alone.

P.S. I am glad there were no instances of violence involving the police and the protesters. It’s been a damn long time since we’ve seen it happen that way.